Golden Plains appoints acting mayor, passes road safety plan

Golden Plains Shire has finally agreed to improving road safety after a boy was killed on his way to school. But residents say it might be too little, too late.

Six-year-old Caleb Wesley was walking to catch a bus along Bannockburn-Shelford Rd in Teesdale when he was fatally struck in an alleged hit-run on March 27. Picture: Mark Wilson

Golden Plains Shire has committed to improving road safety in Teesdale after councillors belatedly compromised on the election of an acting mayor.

Helena Kirby who was elevated to acting mayor on Wednesday night immediately offered the council’s condolences following the tragic road death of a young boy.

Her appointment followed a farcical situation 24 hours prior where the meeting could not proceed because councillors were twice split on whether to elect Emma Robbins and Gavin Gamble.

Golden Plains councillors Gavin Gamble and Emma Robbins. Pictures: Supplied.

Road safety was the top agenda item after six-year-old Caleb Wesley was killed in an alleged hit-and-run last month.

Councillors unanimously voted to “prioritise the implementation of a safe pedestrian crossing for Teesdale, as soon as practicable” and to update the shire’s road strategy.

Council also vowed to write to the Transport Department and roads minister Melissa Horne to request an urgent review of speed limits and safety concerns in Teesdale.

“The actions adopted by council clearly set out how council plans to move forward and work towards improved road safety in Teesdale and throughout the shire,” Ms Kirby said.

“We thank all community members who have reached out to us during this difficult time and once again extend our sincere condolences to Caleb Wesley’s family and all who knew him.”

Golden Plains acting mayor Helena Kirby. Picture: Supplied.

The postponement of Tuesday’s meeting, which ratepayers wanted to use as a forum to discuss road safety, outraged both residents and the Wesley family.

At Wednesday’s meeting, acting chief executive Steven Sagona said Mr Gamble had withdrawn his nomination, leaving Ms Kirby and Ms Robbins as nominees.

Ms Robbins then withdrew “as a professional courtesy and in the interest of getting business done tonight”.

As the procedure unfolded, furious Teesdale residents in attendance held a silent protest by holding up signs demanding immediate action on road safety.

Teesdale residents held a silent protest during the council meeting. Picture: Supplied

Councillor Owen Sharkey told the chamber he “found it hard to see how this issue, one rooted in safety and shared concern, has become so divisive and fractured”.

“There’s no question that the tragic accident in Teesdale has shaken all of us,” he said.

Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser, Teesdale resident Kelley Pilmore said council had not gone far enough given the continued and immediate risk to children in the town.

“They gave the issue five minutes of their time, and said they’ll fix it on council time, does that mean in five years’ time when multiple children have already died?” she said.

“It will happen again because that highway is a death trap.”

Caleb Wesley (left) and family. Photos: Facebook.

The leadership vacuum was triggered by Mayor Sarah Hayden taking leave soon after returning from a Las Vegas trip with her husband Ronnie, who is Victorian secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union.

Ms Hayden attended Torquay Books on Wednesday night to promote the release of her Parenting Different book.

Originally published as Golden Plains appoints acting mayor, passes road safety plan